“Millers will process, package and distribute the maize flour from this subsidy programme in packets clearly and boldly marked ‘GoK Food Subsidy’ in line with the approved subsidy mark,” said Mr Bett.

He said the government had engaged all stakeholders, including importers, millers and other private sector players, to manage the current situation that has seen inflation jump to a 57-month high, having recorded 11.48 per cent in April.

The waiver of duty on yellow maize was to eliminate competition for white maize for human consumption.

The government says millers have committed to pass on the benefit of the subsidy to consumers by ensuring that the processed and packaged maize flour is sold at a marked shelf price not exceeding Sh47 per kilo and Sh90 for a 2kg packet.

Millers have also undertaken to ensure that all their distributors and retailers across the country have adequate stocks and that they do not sell the flour above the marked prices.

Under this subsidy scheme, the ministry of Agriculture shall undertake a promotion campaign of the programme to create public awareness.

The millers have authorised the ministry to use their brand names in the subsidy programme.

About 30,000 tonnes of maize have so far been imported to address the shortage, with an additional consignment expected in a fortnight.

Even as the government made the intervention, Nasa presidential nominee Raila Odinga said there was little to show for the billions of shillings spent on food security since Jubilee came to power in 2013.

He singled out the Galana-Kulalu irrigation project, which he said had consumed billions for so little.

“After spending all these billions, how did we end up without food? Where did the money go? Mr Odinga asked in a statement to the newsrooms.